The Stylist by Rosie Nixon Book Review

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Absolutely the novel for all those who love a really good romp with a bit of an edge.

Written by Rosie Nixon, the Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! The Stylist is the Cinderella story for our time. Amber Green is an ordinary sales assistant in an exclusive London boutique – so admittedly she doesn’t slog away in a kitchen, but the girl needs a few princes in her life.

Then lo! Amber is mistakenly offered a job with Mona Armstrong who seems to exist on coffee, water and champagne, with not a morsel of food passing her lips. Mona is a ‘stylist to the stars’.

Written in the first person, Rosie Nixon whooshes Amber into the exotic world of the glamorous and famous where she has to style some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrity stars at the LA Award Season. (Though she travels in economy while Mona doesn’t, of course)

The pace of The Stylist must replicate the frenetic life of just such a stylist, and Rosie Nixon with her experience of women’s glossy magazines, will know all about that. I thought the juxtaposition of Amber, unspoilt by her life with the stars, longing to be home, the Eastenders theme tune playing through her mind as she struggles to sleep on her return to Britain, was touching amongst the glitz. This normality does actually keep us empathising with her. Clever, I thought.

The Stylist is a serving of sun, fun and a real look behind the scenes. But it is a novel that doesn’t ignore the core of the protagonist.

Does Amber find her prince? Ah well, read it, enjoy the ride, and find out for yourselves.

A really fun read. A success.

Keep your eye on Frost Magazine next week, because Rosie Nixon’s A Day in the Life will be published. See if the glitz extends into this extraordinary young woman’s every day life. Crikey, she’s busy, and quite lovely. Life ain’t fair, says Granny Graham.

The Stylist available now, published by HQ in paperback £7.99.

The Cockney Sparrow By Dilly Court Review by Jan Speedie

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Margaret Graham

An enthralling and gritty saga which highlights the poverty and deprivation seen in London at the turn-of-the-century.

Clemency Skinner is gifted with a beautiful voice which will help her leave behind the appalling life she leads with her mother and crippled brother. Abandoned by her father the family exist in a damp hovel in Stew Street paid for by working on the streets. Each day Todd Hardiman, an evil, unscrupulous pimp, threatens their daily existence. Escape to a better life comes for Clemency when she joins Augustus Throop and his troupe of street buskers and through her singing is asked to join the cast at the Strand Theatre – stardom beckons. Life is looking up for Clemency and her family but then Jared Stone enters her life and everything changes but maybe not for the better…

Dilly Court is a well published author of 20 titles – her research into the setting of the story and the depth of her characters makes this an interesting and enjoyable read.

Dilly Court began her career writing commercial scripts for television. She grew up in North East London but now lives in Dorset with her husband and Archie, a large yellow Labrador. She has two grown up children and three grandchildren.

Published by Arrow on 8^th September 2016, £5.99

The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe Review by Margaret Graham

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Does anyone out there enjoy the plethora of Scandinavian noir on the television? Or is enjoy the wrong word? After all, noir is not an idle threat. If you do, or even if you don’t, you should try this novel.

Grebe has been compared with Jo Nesbo – you know the thing ‘if you like Jo Nesbo you’ll love this’. Well, I think that Swedish Camilla Grebe stands alone.

With The Ice Beneath Her, we have a craftswoman at work. Camilla Grebe’s clarity of language reminds me of my friend Nikki Gemmell’s writing, who reworks, and reworks to present a vivid empathy that is almost too inclusive, because all that happens to her characters, happens to the reader. I use her regularly as an example of an author for those aspiring to write. I think I will now add Grebe.

Now, I’m not comparing Grebe with Nikki but I am saying that I felt her writing to be as finely tuned as Nikki’s. Perhaps while waxing lyrical I should include Elizabeth Clark Wessel, who translated the novel from Swedish to English, and in so doing, faithfully stayed as close as anyone could, to the author’s vision.

So, what is this vision? What is this novel about, the one that is already making waves with film rights sold to Warner Brothers’ New Line Cinema, and international rights that have already sold in 20 territories?

A thriller, or perhaps crime novel, that introduces us to Emma, a mousey sales assistant who is swept off her feet by a charismatic CEO and whose life is opened up to love. But life ceases to be peachy after her lover runs off (perhaps). It is then that the mouse transforms into a welter of furies. A murder is then lobbed into the mix, the detectives use a brilliant criminal profiler who is in the early stages of dementia. Soon Emma, the transformed mouse and the detectives are on the heels of the mystery man and it is clear their paths will cross.

I know, I know, I’m not making this easy to follow, but it isn’t. It’s complex, and as you read it, it is hard to even guess at what’s going on under the surface. This isn’t a weakness, it’s just a puzzle, and the power of the writing. plotting and general structure is such that you more than stick with it, sure the writer is leading you somewhere. It was disturbing, and exercises the grey matter, but was unputdownable. I didn’t read it before I needed to go to sleep. BEcause I would be tossing, turning, and fretting.

A must read book about obsession, betrayal and of course, love. Highly recommended.

Published on 8th September by Zaffre at £12.99 E-book available.

Next week, Camilla Grebe will be telling us of A Day in her Life. Make a date to be with us.

Hunting The Eagles By Ben Kane Review by Jan Speedie

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Margaret Graham

This is Ben Kane’s second book in his trilogy about the Roman invasion of Germania. Following his first book covering the invasion of AD9 in which the Roman’s were ambushed and defeated in the Teutoburg Forest. Carefully researched military history, passionate and violent perhaps not for the squeamish or weak hearted.

The first part of ‘Hunting the Eagles’ is planning the revenge for the ambush and the loss of the legions gold Standards. Centurion Tullus, a veteran of many battles, is determined to avenge the loss of 15,000 soldiers and regain his Eagle.

Part 2: Germanicus is now in charge of the Roman forces and planning an invasion of Germania in the autumn of AD14. In Germania, Arminius and the local warriors are determined to repulse the Romans once again. Legions and tribes clash in bloody battle, who will survive, who will conqueror……….

Immerse yourself in this story of Roman legions; it’s cruel, relentless and compelling reading.

Ben Kane was born in Kenya. The family moved to Ireland where Ben completed his education and then studied veterinary medicine at University College, Dublin. Ben always had a passion for ancient history and travelled the world visiting and collecting facts and incredible stores about Roman history. Ben lives in North Somerset with his wife and children.

Published by Arrow in Paperback £6.99

Mindful Mama: Happy Baby, by Maja Pitamic and Susannah Marriott Book Review

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

I have to confess, I haven’t read a lot of parenting books. I keep meaning to, but find it hard to find the time. I managed to find some time for Mindful Mama: Happy Baby as it looked interesting. It has a number of things going for it: it is easy to read, fun and full of ideas. I am not into mediation or mindfulness, but I found the activities interesting and will use some of them with my son. The book has games, songs, dances and outdoor activities. The book breaks the activities down by age and has a development chart too. The book is well-illustrated and has clear instructions. funnily enough, I recognise some of these activities from my own childhood so there are a few classics.

I liked this book and will be doing some of the activities with my little one. This book is fun and educational.

Mindful Mama: Happy Baby is an accessible guide for new parents using mindfulness techniques and Montessori activities to bring calm and confidence to the early parenting years. Susannah Marriott has published a number of successful parenting titles, while Maja Pitamic is a Montessori teacher and author of the best-selling I Can Do It, also published by Modern Books.

Over 60 mindful activities and play ideas for bonding with your child

Sensory games, songs, dances and outdoor activities to share

Advice on nurturing, feeding, bathing, sleeping and carrying

Meditative techniques to relax your mind and keep you calm

Mindful Mama: Happy Baby is a practical and accessible guide for new parents, designed to give you the skills to calmly navigate the early years of child rearing, from birth to three years of age. Mindful parenting makes time for meaningful interactions with your child, which have a profound effect on bonding during the crucial developmental stages.

Emphasis is put on the well-being of both parent and child, as well as the importance of bringing peace and perspective to the emotional whirlwind of having a new baby. As your baby grows into a toddler, the exercises change, allowing this age group to fully explore the world around them and engage their senses in a fun and playful way.

Playing with a child with awareness daily is the most mindful thing we can do as parents. It shows children we are available and passes on the self-acceptance that comes with engaging fully with an activity. As children reveal their personalities and unique ways of doing things so we learn from them, our relationships with them become richer

Both practical and inspiring, Mindful Mama: Happy Baby gives you and your child the building blocks for an enjoyable and mindful first few years.

Maja Pitamic is the author of I Can Do It, the successful Montessori activity book for ages three to five, as well as the co-author of I Can Make Music, Modern Art Adventures and 3D Art Adventures. She has over fifteen years’ experience teaching young children and holds degrees in Art History and Montessori Teacher Training. She currently lives in London.

Susannah Marriott is a freelance author and mother of three. Her books include Green Babycare, Natural Pregnancy, Pregnancy Herbaland The Pregnancy and Baby Book. Her writing has appeared in Weekend Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, Marie Claire, Zest, Shape, Top Sante, Healthy and Junior. She currently lives in Devon.

Also available in this series:

I Can Do It (Sept 2015) and I Can Make Music (Sept 2015)

Mindful Mama: Happy Baby

0ver 60 calming techniques and creative activities for babies and toddlers

by Maja Pitamic and Susannah Marriott

Published by Modern Books – 25^th August 2016. @modernbooks.

RRP: £12.99

Sweet Tomorrows By Debbie Macombe Reviewed by Jan Speedie

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Followers of Debbie Macomber’s stories of life at Rose Harbor Inn will be disappointed to learn that this is the fifth and final book in the series. Debbie has new projects she wants to do so sadly she must say goodbye to Cedar Cove and the people who live there.

Three years ago Jo Marie took over running the Rose Harbor Inn following the death of her husband. Jo Marie has formed a close relationship with Mark Taylor but Mark had to go back to Iraq to complete a dangerous and difficult mission for the Army. It is a year since Mark left Cedar Cove and there has been no news of him; Jo Marie’s heart is in turmoil should she wait and hope for his safe return or move on with her life.

Following a second failed relationship Emily Gaffney comes to stay at Rose Harbor Inn with the intention of finding a new home, starting her new job and absolutely no involvement with men. Emily and Jo Marie form a close friendship and help each other through the difficult times life brings. Can the Rose Harbour Inn work its magic?

A delightful summer read just right for those lazy days on your holidays.

Debbie Macomber is one of today’s bestselling authors with more than 170 million copies of her books in print worldwide. She has also produced two cookery books and two books for children. In 2013 the Cedar Cove series successfully debuted on US cable TV. Apart from her writing Debbie is also spokesperson for World Visions ‘Knit for Kids’ charity initiative. Debbie and her husband Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington and winter in Florida.

Published by Arrow in paperback on 11^th August 2016 – £5.99

The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club By Marlena de Blasi

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Frostie

The Umbrian Thursday Night Supper Club By Marlena de Blasi

REVIEW BY JAN SPEEDIE

The true life stories of four Italian women – the food is delicious, the recipes closely guarded secrets, the friendships lifelong.

Marlena is an American author living and enjoying life in Italy with her Venetian husband Fernando. They have settled in the small town of Orvieto in Umbria where Marlena enjoys exploring the friendship of some local women and their love of cooking.

Marlena discovers that on a Thursday evening four local women meet in a derelict stone cottage to gossip, laugh and argue but mainly to cook. She is delighted when she is invited by Miranda, the group leader, to join them. Slowly she is accepted by the other women and invited to cook for them. Sitting in the candle lit room, following good food and local wine the women Miranda, Ninucua, Paolina and Gilda tell their intriguing individual life stories.

Glorious Italian food. If you are keen on simple authentic dishes Marlena’s book is for you. Remember no Italian meal is served without a simple pasta dish to start to assuage the appetite and here are recipes galore.

Marlena de Blasi has been a chef, journalist and restaurant critic; now an author of international best seller books with her memoirs and a novel. She has also published two cookbooks of Italian food. Marlena and her husband live in Orvieto in Umbria, Italy.

Published in Paperback by Windmill

Available from May 2016. Priced £8.99

Also available in ebook.

Polly’s Angels by Katie Flynn Review by Jan Speedie

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Katie Flynn first published Polly’s Angels in the year 2000; if you missed it then it is well worth a catch up. A classic saga of the O’Brady family .

In 1936 the O’Brady family’s circumstances change and they are forced to move into central Liverpool to find work. Life in Liverpool is very different from the countryside home they loved. Polly is a bright, popular 13 year old who does well at school and always follows the rules. Local bad boy Sunny Anderson is very taken with Polly and tries hard to lead her astray.

In 1939 as war looms, Sunny, for all his wayward ways, joins the navy and trains as a signaller. As soon as Polly is old enough she enrols into the WRNS. Polly’s childhood sweetheart Tad Donoghue, trains as an RAF pilot and hopes to reunite with his first love. Secrets about Polly’s past come to light – who does she really love Sunny or Tad?

Katie Flynn’s knowledge about wartime Liverpool is extensive, the bombings, food shortages and the strength of the citizens to endure all that is thrown at them.

Katie Flynn is a compulsive writer starting her career with short stories broadcast on Radio Merseyside. Her Liverpool series was inspired by hearing reminiscences of her family’s lives during the war.

Katie has lived for many years in the north-west.

Published by Arrow in June 2016

£6.99 in paperback

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